CM Vijay Withdraws Order Restricting Students From CJP And Left Protests

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has officially taken a significant U-turn on its previous directive regarding the participation of students and youth in political activities. Initially, the administration had issued a strict order advising students and the younger population to stay away from protest demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and various Left-wing parties, while however, in a sudden shift of stance, the government has now decided to withdraw this order, which had sparked a major political controversy across the state.

Withdrawal of the Directive

The Collegiate Education Department formally rescinded its previous instructions on Wednesday. This move comes after the department had earlier directed government arts and science colleges to take necessary actions to prevent their students and youth from taking part in various movements and protest demonstrations. The reversal of this decision marks a notable change in the administration's approach toward student involvement in political activism.

On Tuesday, a fresh order was issued by Cynthia Selvi P, the Joint Director of Collegiate Education. In this communication, she stated that the previous order issued by the department on August 17, 2026, regarding this matter has been officially withdrawn. This specific directive had been sent to the principals of all government arts and science colleges across Tamil Nadu, instructing them to maintain a strict vigil over student activities related to political protests.

Details of the Original Order

The controversy traces back to a letter dated August 17, where the Commissioner of Collegiate Education had instructed the principals of government arts and science colleges to coordinate with multiple departments. The directive required collaboration between the School Education Department, the Higher Education Department, the police force, and the district administration. The primary objective was to ensure that male and female students, along with other youth, didn't participate in such political protests.

This instruction made reference to a government letter dated August 14, which emphasized the need for coordination and collective action among different departments on this issue. The message, which was marked as "Most Urgent," also mandated that colleges must immediately submit reports regarding the actions taken to the Directorate of Collegiate Education. According to sources, the TVK government had specifically asked these departments to work in tandem to block student participation, citing concerns over the rising political heat and the involvement of youth in protests organized by two specific political groups.

Reaction from the BJP

The initial order drew sharp reactions from various political quarters, including the BJP. BJP leader Vinoj P. " He alleged that the leaders of these groups often mislead students, pushing them into the forefront of protests only to leave them alone to face the legal and academic consequences while the leaders return to the safety of their homes.

While Selvam had initially welcomed the government's move to keep students away from protests, stating it would help them focus on their careers, he also issued a warning. He urged the Vijay government not to succumb to the pressure of its ally, the CPI(M), and refrain from withdrawing the notification, while he argued that protecting students from being used as political tools was essential for their future prospects.

Reasons Behind the U-Turn

The primary reason for the withdrawal of the order appears to be the intense opposition from the Cockroach Janata Party. The CJP had termed the government's directive as "unconstitutional" and demanded its immediate revocation. The party argued that preventing citizens, including students, from participating in peaceful protests was a violation of their fundamental rights.

This entire dispute erupted at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing widespread demonstrations regarding the NEET examination. Student organizations affiliated with the CJP and the Left have been actively protesting on this issue. In such a volatile atmosphere, the Vijay government's attempt to distance students from these specific political groups became a focal point of political debate. Facing mounting pressure and the risk of being labeled anti-democratic, the government ultimately chose to retract the order on Wednesday.